MANILA, Philippines – When Jeron Teng’s UAAP and DLSU Green Archers career comes to an end, one of the lasting impressions on his college basketball legacy will be his numerous top-notch performances against the UST Growling Tigers.

After entering the collegiate basketball league in 2012 out of Xavier High School, Teng immediately performed well against the Growling Tigers, and even had a game-winner at the buzzer in one contest which helped that season’s DLSU team make the Final Four. A year later, Teng out-played his elder brother, Jeric, and won Finals MVP when La Salle won the UAAP title after beating UST in the finals.

On Sunday, October 23, Teng played what’s likely his last game against UST when La Salle beat them by 43 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Now down to a 3-8 record, it’s likely the Growling Tigers won’t make Season 79’s Final Four, putting another match against the Green Archers out of the question.

“I keep telling that UST’s like my second college cause I grew up supporting my brother in UST when I was still in high school,” Teng said after finishing with 16 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists.

“UST really has a place in my heart. Siguro (I guess) it’s very sentimental din (also) for me cause forever na when I hear UST, when I see UST, I always remember my brother.”

During the 2013 finals, Teng recorded 25 points - 12 in the fourth period - 8 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead La Salle’s comeback from a 0-1 deficit and win the title in overtime of Game 3. Teng also had a 26-point, 7-rebound performance against the Tigers in 2014.

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When asked if the younger of the Teng Brothers considered committing to UST instead of DLSU while a high school senior, he said his competitive edge got in the way.

“No naman. I really wanted na magkalaban kami ni Jeric,” he said.

(I really wanted me and Jeric to be on opposite sides.)

La Salle is now at 11-0 and in good position to sweep the elimination round that would lead to an automatic berth in the finals.

“It’s getting better but I think we can improve more. We’ll never stop improving and working hard,” Teng said about his team’s chemistry right now.

(READ: Mbala on ‘puro import’ criticism of La Salle: they’re ‘uninformed’)

As an individual, the fifth-year Archer also said that he’s looking to make the most out of what’s remaining of his collegiate career.

“It’s last 3 games of eliminations and I just give my best every game, cause it’s my last year and I have nothing to hold back anymore. I’m giving everything now.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Rookie Raffy Verano had the best game of his young UAAP career, scoring 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles past the slumping NU Bulldogs, 65-50, on Sunday, October 23, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Verano went on a scoring tear in the second period, where Ateneo pulled away by going ahead 34-16 at the half after NU struggled to make baskets.

Ateneo stayed on cruise control in the final two quarters to seal the win and improve their record in Season 79 to 6-4, good for solo third in the standings. NU, now losers of 5 straight, dropped to 4-7.

The Bulldogs committed 25 turnovers which led to 21 Blue Eagle points. Ateneo also limited their opponents to 31% shooting from the field.

J-Jay Alejandro led the Bulldogs with 13 points while Alfred Aroga recorded 8 points and 16 rebounds.

Isaac Go also had a good outing for the Blue Eagles with 9 points while Aaron Black converted 7 points.

Scores

Ateneo (65): Verano 20, Go 9, Black 7, Asistio 6, Babilonia 6, Tolentino 6, Ravena 4, Nieto 3, Mendoza 2, Wong 2, Escaler 0, Ikeh 0, Ildefonso 0, Nieto 0, Porter 0, White 0

NU (50): Alejandro 13, Aroga 8, Salem 7, Diputado 6, Morido 5, Diputado 5, Gallego 3, Rangel 3, Pate 2, Abatayo 0, Mosqueda 0, Salim 0, Yu 0

Quarter scores: 11-8, 34-16, 52-34, 65-50 – Rappler.com

LONDON, England - Chelsea supporters taunted Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho with chants of "You're not special anymore!" as his Stamford Bridge return yielded a humiliating 4-0 defeat on Sunday, October 23.

With 7 major titles across two spells, Mourinho is Chelsea's most successful ever manager, but his return to his old stomping ground ended in one of the most chastening results of his career.

Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring after just 30 seconds and Chelsea did not look back, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante completing an emphatic Premier League victory.

"We scored the early goal, but we continued to play good football and create many chances," Conte told the BBC.

"Today we didn't concede, which was important. It was a type of win that increases the confidence."

It was a fitting tribute to former Chelsea vice-chairman Matthew Harding, whose death in a helicopter crash 20 years ago was marked prior to kick-off with banners and a giant flag.

Conte's side have won three consecutive league games without conceding a goal and climbed to fourth place, just a point below leaders Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Mourinho has already tasted defeat three times in the league with United, who trail City by six points ahead of Wednesday's Manchester derby in the League Cup.

"We made incredible defensive mistakes, individual mistakes, and you pay for that," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

He refused to divulge what he had said during a terse exchange with Conte after the final whistle, saying: "My words with Antonio Conte were for him, not for you."

Mourinho was said to have been irritated after Conte encouraged the home fans to make more noise following Chelsea's fourth goal.

Mourinho also expressed fears that Eric Bailly had sustained a "really bad" knee ligament injury after the Ivorian centre-back was forced off early in the second half.

Smalling error

The team sheet told a tale of two captains: United's, Wayne Rooney, was absent after reportedly injuring his thigh, while Chelsea's, John Terry, remained on the bench following an ankle injury.

Mourinho was greeted warmly by Terry and former assistant Steve Holland prior to the game, sharing a warm embrace with the former, but Chelsea's hospitality vanished within 30 seconds of kick-off.

Chris Smalling inexplicably allowed Marcos Alonso's pass from Chelsea's left to bounce past him and Pedro nipped in to round United goalkeeper David de Gea and roll the ball home.

Mourinho, sacked for the second time by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich last December, looked faintly shellshocked.

He saw his side squander a chance to level when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed over after Antonio Valencia had stood up a cross from the right.

More slack defending allowed Chelsea to double their lead in the 21st minute, Cahill slamming home after Hazard's corner had struck Ander Herrera and bounced down inside the six-yard box.

A pocket of Chelsea fans beside the dug-outs turned Mourinho's 'Special One' nickname back on him, chanting: "You're not special anymore!"

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been relatively untroubled up to that point, although he produced a smart double save to repel Herrera's left-foot effort and Jesse Lingard's follow-up.

It was an ideal first half for Chelsea, but David Luiz was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after planting his studs in Marouane Fellaini's knee five minutes before half-time.

Mourinho changed tack at half-time, sending on Juan Mata for Fellaini and moving Marcus Rashford up front alongside Ibrahimovic in a 4-4-2 formation.

Lingard sought to sound the revolt for United, wriggling away from a pair of Chelsea players and unleashing a crisp drive that Courtois had to push away.

But in the 62nd minute it was game over. Nemanja Matic's pass down the inside-left channel found Hazard, who checked inside Smalling and steered a shot into the bottom-right corner.

Kante completed the rout, darting between Smalling and the sleep-walking Paul Pogba to tuck away his first Chelsea goal since his close-season switch from Leicester City. – Rappler.com

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-1 draw home to Southampton on Sunday, October 23 but the performance again raised questions over the title credentials of Pep Guardiola’s team.

The stalemate was a fifth consecutive game without a victory for City, as Kelechi Iheanacho’s eighth goal in his last 11 league games cancelled out Nathan Redmond’s first-half opener for Southampton, which owed much to an extraordinary mistake by City defender John Stones.

City, after winning their first 10 games under Spanish coach Guardiola, have suffered a major dip in form.

"We have to analyze what is the situation," Guardiola told the BBC.

"In the period, apart from at White Hart Lane against Tottenham (losing 2-0) it's been good. Against Everton and Barcelona - when it was 11 v 11 - the displays were as good as those in the first 10 games."

Guardiola, who saw his expensively assembled side held 1-1 home to Everton last weekend, had spoken passionately in the wake of the midweek 4-0 defeat at former club Barcelona about his desire to stick to his footballing philosophy.

Those beliefs, however, must have been sorely tested in a first half in which his side failed to test Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal and fell behind to the visitors.

The Saints went ahead in the 27th minute following a disastrous back pass from England centre-half Stones, who nonchalantly laid the ball back into the City penalty area despite the presence of Redmond.

The forward retained his composure, beating returning skipper Vincent Kompany to the ball and rounding Claudio Bravo before converting into the open net.

"From watching them in preparation we knew they would give us chances, they only play three at the back," Redmond told Sky Sports. "I was anticipating it and it was just about keeping a cool head and putting the chance away."

The draw was enough to put City back top of the Premier League on goal difference from Arsenal, with Liverpool third. All three are on 20 points.

But following Bravo’s costly defensive slip in the midweek Champions League defeat, it was another blow to Guardiola's determination to play attractive, passing football at all costs and a handful of home supporters booed the team off at the interval.

Harsh decision

For all their defensive problems, however, City were equally ineffective at the other end in the first half - their best effort coming when Stones had a 31st-minute effort ruled out for offside.

The defender appeared to have made amends for his earlier error when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick only for referee Mark Clattenburg to rule it out - a decision which replays suggested was harsh.

An early David Silva cross was easily picked out by Forster, Ilkay Gundogan shot just wide from the edge of the area and Raheem Sterling drilled a shot way off target.

Indeed, the Saints looked more likely to score, particularly on the break, with Dusan Tadic testing Bravo with an early cross-shot.

Guardiola wasted no time in altering his tactics at the interval, with Iheanacho replacing De Bruyne, who was clearly still below peak form following a recent injury lay-off.

City finally started to assert some control with Sterling’s low 54th-minute cross just bouncing beyond Silva’s far-post lunge.

Moments later, Iheanacho equalised after a flowing move exposed gaps in Southampton's defence with passes from Fernandinho and Leroy Sane allowing the young Nigerian to sweep in a confident finish from six yards.

"They did it for themselves in the second half," said Guardiola of his players. "They changed the game, I didn't change the game. We did think we were going to win it, but Southampton didn't make it easy. They have good defenders and are good at everything."

City’s passing, so inconsistent in the first half, also improved markedly after the break and a concerted attack ended with Sterling finding Iheanacho, who turned and centred for Silva, only for a deflection off a defender to save the Saints.

Sergio Aguero also twice came close for City, first with a stooping, off-target header and then with a determined run and low shot which flashed across the face of goal. – Rappler.com

PARIS, France - There was nothing "Classique" about it as Paris Saint-Germain and bitter rivals Marseille conjured up an uninspiring 0-0 draw in relentless rain in the French capital on Sunday, October 23 (Monday Manila time). 

Billed as the Ligue 1 clash to rival Spain's El Clasico, this was a poor advert for French football and did little to dispel the impression that reigning champions PSG are struggling to get to grips with coach Unai Emery's methods.

Misfiring PSG striker Edinson Cavani had an evening to forget and the damp stalemate leaves his side in third, two points behind Monaco and six inferior to surprise leaders Nice, who won again despite missing the injured Mario Balotelli.

There was plenty of rain and endeavor at the Parc des Princes in Paris in the first half but precious little goal-mouth action.

Struggling in mid-table, Marseille, under new American ownership and with new coach Rudi Garcia in charge for the first time, were pinned back for long periods but the Parisians did little with the ball. 

It took until 10 minutes before the break for the first real chance of the game, Cavani heading wastefully over for the home side when unmarked and then Serge Aurier shooting straight at Marseille goalkeeper Yohann Pele.

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Cavani took a tumble in the box under minimal contact just before half-time but referee Clement Turpin was unmoved despite strong appeals from Cavani and the home support, and the PSG players remonstrated with the officials as they trudged off into the break. 

Both teams emerged with more intent for the second half and captain Bafetimbi Gomis had an early and rare sniff of goal for Marseille, for whom Garcia is their fourth different coach since the start of last season, underlining the instability that has blighted the fallen giants. 

On 69 minutes Cavani was guilty again of poor finishing, once more heading badly off target when free and unmarked, as the Parisians stepped up the pressure, forcing a series of corners. 

And 10 minutes from time the long-haired Uruguayan made it a hat-trick of misses, prodding wide from close range when under pressure. 

Mario who?

Alassane Plea grabbed a hat-trick as Ligue 1 leaders Nice continued their terrific start to the season with a thrilling 4-2 victory at promoted Metz. 

With Balotelli out with a thigh injury, Plea assumed the lead role for Lucien Favre's unbeaten side and netted the opener on 12 minutes before adding a second from the penalty spot after Georges Mandjeck had equalised.

Substitute Habib Diallo made it 2-2 midway through the second half for Metz but Plea struck for a third time on 84 minutes before Wylan Cyprien wrapped up the points in injury time. 

"It's a deserved win even if it was very tough. We played well," said Favre. 

"The players' reaction was very good after they equalised for two-all. We're incredibly happy to still be undefeated but we have to keep on working."  

Earlier, on-loan duo Henri Saivet and Jordan Veretout scored their first Saint-Etienne goals since returning to France from Newcastle United and Aston Villa respectively in a 2-0 win away to Caen.  

Monaco reclaimed second place on Friday from PSG with a 6-2 demolition of Montpellier at the Stade Louis II. – Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will celebrate their city's first sports crown in 52 years on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday in Manila), raising their championship banner as the 2016-17 NBA campaign opens.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, will welcome superstar forward Kevin Durant to the fold as they set out to avenge their loss to Cleveland in last June's NBA Finals after coming one game shy of back-to-back titles.

The Cavaliers and Warriors open the season as favorites to play each other in the finals for the third campaign in a row, an unprecedented feat, even as 28 rivals try to fight their way into next June's title showdown.

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin spark the Los Angeles Clippers while LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard join guard Tony Parker and big man Pau Gasol to ignite San Antonio.

Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo unite in Chicago, Toronto will try to improve on its run to the last 4 last season and Russell Westbrook will try to lift Oklahoma City after Durant's departure.

But the Warriors and Cavaliers have made themselves the teams to beat based on their past two seasons of success, Golden State with a record 73 wins last season and the Cavaliers making the best NBA Finals rally ever by winning the last 3 games.

"Our mindset going into this year is knowing that the hunter has now become the hunted," Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said. "So we have to approach every game a lot like the last two years, knowing we're going to get everybody's best shot."

James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 blocked shots and 2.6 steals a game, leading the NBA Finals in each category to earn unanimous NBA Finals MVP honors.

"We're not satisfied with just winning one championship. We're not satisfied with just being successful. We want to continue to get better," James said.

James 3-4 in NBA Finals

James has played in 7 NBA Finals and the past 6 in a row. He lost his first with Cleveland then split 4 with the Miami Heat. Upon returning to Cleveland he lost one more before the Cavaliers captured their first to give Cleveland a first sporting title in 52 years.

"I came back to bring a championship to our city," James said. "I knew what I was capable of doing. I knew I had the right ingredients and the right blueprint to help this franchise get to a place that we've never been. That's what it was all about."

On Tuesday, 4-time NBA Most Valuable Player James will begin the quest to repeat as the Cavaliers open against the New York Knicks.

"It will not be easy, and it shouldn't be easy," James said. "In my 13-year career, so far nothing has been easy. So I look forward to the journey and the work that lies ahead."

Other opening night games find Utah at Portland and San Antonio at Golden State, who added 2014 NBA MVP Durant after coming up short in the playoffs.

Stephen Curry, the 2015 and 2016 NBA MVP, and fellow 3-point sharpshooter Klay Thompson will have Durant, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala up front.

Cavs spend king's ransom 

With the Cavaliers making a deal earlier this month to keep guard J.R. Smith, owner Dan Gilbert will spend a king's ransom of about $100 million – $6 million above the NBA salary cap – on the Cleveland starting 5 of James, Smith, Love, Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.

Gilbert, who spent $54 million in luxury tax for going over the salary cap, will spend more for the starters than about half of the league's teams will spend on entire rosters. Even Golden State with Durant will only have a payroll at about 75% of the Cavaliers.

Australia's Andrew Bogut was sent from the Warriors to Dallas and several top reserves were released to make salary room for Durant.

Other clubs have made moves to try and join the elite. Atlanta signed veteran center Dwight Howard. Wade and Rondo moved to Chicago but the Bulls lost Gasol to the Spurs and Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose to the Knicks.

Here are key dates and matchups to watch out for this season:

October 25: The season opens with the reigning champion Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the New York Knicks. 

December 25: A rematch of the 2016 NBA finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors highlights a 5-game Christmas Day slate. 

January 12: The NBA goes global with the Denver Nuggets v Indiana Pacers in London and the Phoenix Suns v Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City. 

January 16: Cleveland and Golden State square off for the second time in the regular season. 

February 11: Former NBA Most Vauable Player Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City when his new club, the Golden State Warriors, visit the Thunder. 

February 19: NBA All-Star Game at New Orleans. 

April 12: The regular season concludes. 

April 15: The first round of the playoffs begins. 

May 1: Conference semifinals begin. 

May 16: Conference finals begin 

June 1: The NBA Finals begin. 

June 22: The 2017 NBA draft.

 – Jim Slater, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – Long-suffering Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians supporters dream of a fairytale finish when the 112th World Series opens Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday in Manila), but only one of Major League Baseball's longest championship droughts will end in the epic showdown.

The Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908, the longest title drought in American sports history, and they had not even reached the best-of-7 championship matchup since 1945 until dispatching the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday for the National League crown.

"There has been so much emotion over the years from this fan base," Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist said. "It's not just Chicago. I know they are watching all over the country and all over the world.

"What a special moment. We've been wanting to do this for the fans all year long. Now that we've accomplished it, it's time to move on to bigger things. The ultimate goal is still out in front of us."

While it's not as jaw-dropping as the Cubs' 107-season wait, the Indians have not taken the crown since 1948, the longest American League drought, and they last played in the World Series in 1997.

"It's a blast to be a part of," Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller said. "We have one more big step. We're going to the World Series. That's what you dream of. I can't wait to see what it's like in Cleveland."

More than a century of futility could end for the Cubs, whose 103 wins led the major leagues this season – not so long after they lost 101 games in 2012.

"We're definitely on the verge of doing something wonderful," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I didn't want to run away from negatives and pressure. I wanted us to run toward them."

A Presidential 'Holy Cow'

Partying fans jammed the streets outside iconic 102-year-old Wrigley Field for hours after Chicago advanced.

"I'll say it: Holy Cow, Cubs fans," tweeted US President Barack Obama, using a catchphrase made famous by the late Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray.

The long-time Chicago resident supports the cross-town rival Chicago White Sox, who until 2005 had not won a World Series since 1917, but Obama admitted, "Even this White Sox fan was happy to see Wrigley rocking last night."

Generations of Cubs players and fans had known only frustration, even joking, "Any team can have a bad century." They were tagged as lovable losers playing in a stadium nicknamed the "Friendly Confines" by Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame infielder nicknamed "Mr. Cub" who owns the dubious record of 2,528 games played without a playoff appearance.

A Cubs team with 5 starters age 24 or younger shook off the notions of a cursed team and a history of hard luck, moving 4 wins from a title for the ages by a team that played 11,309 games between World Series appearances.

"We're too young. We don't care about it," said Kris Bryant, who scored a league-high 121 runs. "We don't look into it. We're having the time of our lives. And we're just getting started."

Pitching has powered the Cubs' rise, with Jake Arrieta keeping rival batters to a .194 average and allowing only 6.29 hits per 9 innings, both major league bests.

"To be four wins from a goal that hasn't been achieved here in such a long time is really impressive," Arrieta said.

'We're still not there yet' 

Kyle Hendricks had the lowest earned-run average in the major leagues at 2.13 with 19-game winner teammate Jon Lester next at 2.44.

"The history means a lot," Hendricks said. "It puts it in perspective for us. We enjoy it more because we know it means to the fans of this city."

"We're still not there yet. We have four more to go. So as good as this feels, as much as we're going to enjoy it, we know what we've got to do come Tuesday."

The Indians are happy to let the Cubs draw the attention with their futility streak even as a similar hunger burns within them.

"We like being the underdogs," said Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis. "We like guys not believing in us because we love going out and proving people wrong." – Jim Slater, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Edna Robles, a corporate employee turned housewife, arrived at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan at 11 pm on Saturday, October 22 and spent the night there.

She was more than 12 hours early for the Barangay Ginebra fans day scheduled for 12 noon on Sunday, an event held to give the Gin Kings an opportunity to give back to their loyal fans after winning their first championship in 8 years in the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup last week.

Robles, who sports short blonde hair, inherited her Ginebra fandom from her mother as early as 10 years old. Now 41, she proudly rocks a Robert Jaworski tattoo on the back of her right leg. She wore shorts to the fans day event, the tattoo of the Ginebra and PBA icon on full display.

"Mga 30 years na [akong fan], nakuha ko sa mom ko. Siya yung talagang Ginebra fan e (I've been a fan for 30 years, I got it from my mom. She's the real Ginebra fan)," Robles shared a bit of her childhood.

"Siyempre hindi na pwede ilipat ang TV pag nanonood so napapa-nood na rin ako hanggang sa nagustuhan ko na rin, tapos naging solid din ako kay Jaworski. From there, the rest is history."

(You couldn't change the channel on TV when the game was on so I watched it with her until I started becoming a fan, and then I loved Jaworski.)

Robles has since constantly watched the games live. She and her friends make sure they're always present for Ginebra's playoff games, do-or-die games, and of course, the regular "Manila Clasico" matchup against rival Star Hotshots (then Purefoods).

"Mas present pa ako sa game kesa sa work minsan (I'm sometimes more present at games than at work)," she quipped.

In the post-Jaworski era of Ginebra, Robles has developed a new fandom for Mark Caguioa, the face of the franchise in at least the past decade.

Being one of the first in line for the fans day or thanksgiving party, Robles sat at front row before the stage on Sunday. She was eventually handed a microphone and given the rare chance to speak to her idols seated on stage.

Robles directed her message to Caguioa, saying she's long wanted to tell him how much she loves him – and that she's crushed the veteran star is set to be married. (WATCH: Mark Caguioa proposes to girlfriend after Ginebra wins championship)

"Super saya kasi yun na pinakaaasam ko na masabi sa kanya na mahal ko siya," Robles gushed. "Idol ko talaga siya after Jaworski. Medyo na-hurt ako kasi ikakasal na siya pero at the same time, hindi naman mawawala yung pag-idol ko sa kanya."

(I'm very happy because I've long wanted to tell him I love him. He's my idol after Jaworski. I got hurt a little bit now that he's getting married but at the same time, he's still my idol.)

Caguioa was in awe of the commitment fans like Robles have for Ginebra.

"You look at that, you look at the fans of Ginebra, it goes way back. Nakita mo yung fans ng Ginebra, hindi henna e, tattoo siya (You see the Ginebra fans, it's not henna, it's a real tattoo)," Caguioa said backstage. "It’s just millions of fans of Ginebra are super diehard. Naglalabasan lalo ngayon (They're coming out now)." 

Robles also has the San Miguel Corporation logo tattooed on her entire back and plans on getting another tattoo soon of the Ginebra team logo on her left thigh.

Even Caguioa's backcourt partner Jayjay Helterbrand was left impressed.

"That’s just true commitment," he said. "You know she’s going to be a Ginebra fan forever. That’s awesome."

Robles went to every single one of Ginebra's playoff games in the Governors' Cup despite the stiff ticket competition. Her efforts did not go in vain as she witnessed import Justin Brownlee knock down the title-winning shot in Game 6 – a shot that will go down in Ginebra lore for generations to come.

(WATCH: Justin Brownlee hits 3-pointer to clinch championship for Ginebra)

"When Brownlee hit the 3-pointer, parang nag-flashback lahat ng memories na sobrang sakit, yung natalo kami maraming nag-bash, maraming nanglait kangkong ganyan," she said. (READ: Ginebra's Mark Caguioa gets last laugh: 'Sino'ng kangkong ngayon?')

"Everything nag-flashback tapos napaiyak na lang ako na parang finally narinig na rin ni Lord yung dasal namin. Ngayon we're hoping na Grand Slam naman."

(When Brownlee hit the 3-pointer, I had a flashback of all the painful memories, the losses where so many bashed us, and people called us kangkong. I cried because finally the Lord heard our prayers. Now we're hoping for a Grand Slam.)

Caguioa's doppelgänger

A few rows back sat a man that turned a lot of heads and drew cheers and laughter each time he stood or walked around.

He was bald with a red headband wrapped around his head. He wore the uncanny, carefully curated goatee that occupied only his chin and just below his lower lip. He even had that signature smug look best attributed to only one man in the PBA.

Alvin Corpuz, 28 and from Quezon City, has perfected the Mark Caguioa look for years now or since Caguioa shaved his head.

Corpuz, who works in an electronics company, also plays basketball "Caguioa-style."

He has been a fan practically since Caguioa joined the PBA in 2001. And Corpuz is not afraid to show it every day.

Corpuz lined up as early as 5 am on Sunday for the fans day event. He had met Caguioa many times prior every time he dropped by Ginebra practice.

The two already have a kind of bond as Caguioa likes to call Corpuz "idol" each time he sees him.

"He always goes to practice. I think it’s funny," Caguioa said of Corpuz. "Mas kamukha niya yata si Sol (Mercado) e, kung naka-headband si Sol (He looks more like Sol though if Sol wears a headband)."

Like most Gin Kings supporters, Corpuz finally felt relief after waiting 8 years for a championship.

"Masaya, minsan yung mga kapitbahay ko [sinasabihan ako na] 'wala nang kangkungan ah'," shared Corpuz, who watched Game 6 from the big screen set up outside the Smart Araneta Coliseum for those who couldn't get in.

"Tapos napapaiyak siyempre, 8 years ba naman."

(I'm happy, sometimes my neighbors will tell me 'no more kangkong'. I felt like crying because I waited 8 years.)

Giving back

Sunday's event was meant for the Gin Kings to mingle and celebrate the title with their fans. Players each gave a short message and were, at several points, even egged on to dance on stage lest they wanted to miss out on getting a bonus.

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Players were shy, but team manager &amp; gov Alfrancis Chua says &quot;Pag di sumayaw, walang bonus.&quot; <br><br>Then all the Gin Kings busted out their moves <a href="https://t.co/BymxOw9PGv">pic.twitter.com/BymxOw9PGv</a></p>&mdash; Jane Bracher (@janebracher) <a href="https://twitter.com/janebracher/status/790063616259072000">October 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
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After the program, the players and coaches went around the arena to sign autographs and take photos with supporters.

This is the second time this season Ginebra's been to the Arena in San Juan after they first held an open practice session for fans midway in the eliminations as well.

"Just amazing. I can’t think of a more appropriate word than amazing. I’m just amazed by it all. I’ve been been around for 27 years and I’ve never seen anything like this before," head coach Tim Cone said.

"It meant so much to us to be able to win for them. So this is our payback."

Cone was smiling from ear to ear throughout the entire program and gamely held up smartphones and cameras in front of him to take photos for fans.

"The Alaska fans were as loyal as you can be. They were very, very loyal and the Purefoods fans were really sweet. They were nice to us. They went through our ups and downs, they were always supportive," Cone said when asked to differentiate the fandoms from the 3 teams he's coached in the PBA.

"But this is just another level. It’s almost like you’re the national team coach. The whole country’s eyes are upon you. They have these great expectations and I think that’s been a burden for the players. And for the first time we were able to make that burden a blessing."

"And really feel the love and support. Instead of always disappointing them we were able to make them happy. I think that’s really, truly important to the players that they were able to do that," he added.

Caguioa spent nearly an hour accommodating the supporters but felt it still was not enough to return the love.

"We’re just thanking them, how they’ve been supporting us all throughout, not just the series, not just for this championship, but all throughout the times that we never won a championship," said Caguioa, who also sang the lyrics to Maria Gonzales' Ginebra song that went viral in the finals.

"Parang kulang pa nga ‘to (This doesn't seem enough). I just wish I could sign each and every one of them."

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maria Gonzales, the Ginebra fan who did a song, sings with Caguioa and Helterbrand. Caguioa singing the lyrics too <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GinebraFansDay?src=hash">#GinebraFansDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/DZZWWOOcuR">pic.twitter.com/DZZWWOOcuR</a></p>&mdash; Jane Bracher (@janebracher) <a href="https://twitter.com/janebracher/status/790068436609052672">October 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Helterbrand left a little bit of himself with one fan who asked for his cap during the program.

"That was my favorite hat, too," he said, laughing. "But you know it’s okay. It’s a small sacrifice for them, just being out there at 7 o’clock in the morning, waiting in that line just to get a glimpse of their favorite players. It’s just a small token of my appreciation for them." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese basketball player Yi Jianlian has requested for his release from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to an ESPN report by Marc Stein citing "league sources."

The move will be formally made on Monday, October 24 according to the report, with Jianlian's role in the post-Kobe Bryant team not being what he had expected cited as the reason. The Lakers still must cut one more player by Monday to widdle down to the 15-man roster.

The 28-year-old 7-footer had signed a reported one-year, $8 million deal with the Lakers in August to return to the NBA, where he played for several teams from 2007-2012. Prior to signing with the Lakers, Jianlian had played for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association and led the Chinese national team to the 2015 FIBA Asia championship in Changsha, China and a berth in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

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Jianlian had averaged 3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game in 6 preseason appearances for the Lakers according to FoxSports after norming 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 5 games at the Summer Olympics in August.

(WATCH: Andray Blatche, Yi Jianlian eat Chinese food in throwback video)

Jianlian was originally drafted 6th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007 and had played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks as well. He had averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 272 regular season NBA games. – Rappler.com

SYDNEY, Australia – A much-hyped rematch between Australian boxers Anthony Mundine and Danny Green was announced Tuesday, October 25 for the Adelaide Oval in February.

It is 10 years since Mundine famously beat Green on points in front of more than 30,000 people at the Sydney Football Stadium and there has been bad blood between the pair ever since.

Two-time WBA super-middleweight champion Mundine, 41, has not fought since he lost to American Charles Hatley in November last year.

But the former rugby league star is confident of beating his nemesis in the February 3 bout, which is expected to draw a huge crowd and television audience.

"I've been fighting with a bad hip – a very bad hip – for the last 7, 8 years," Mundine said.

"That's fixed now. I feel my feet are back, my movement's back. I'm going to be as sharp as I was in 2006."

Green, a former WBA light-heavyweight champion, said he was in good shape despite being 43.

"I feel good, really good. I'm 43 years old, never felt better," said Green, who defeated Kane Watts on points last August to win the vacant Australian cruiserweight title.

"I train like a demon day in, day out. Ask my mates, families in gyms back home, I live to train. I'm cool, I'm relaxed. I'm a hell of a fighter, better fighter than him."

Both men suggested they would hang up their gloves after the fight, which has a weight limit of 83kg. – Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – Cleveland sports fans, who endured more than 50 years of futility, will celebrate in style Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday in Manila), with an NBA title, a return to baseball's World Series and a truckload of ice cream.

For some, the partying has already started ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers raising their NBA championship banner before the league season opener against the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Indians playing host to the Chicago Cubs across the street at in Major League Baseball's best-of-7 playoff final opener.

"It's a special day for our fans, for Cleveland, for northeast Ohio to be able to enjoy," Cavaliers star LeBron James said. 

"It's a day that will go down in history for anyone that lives (here), they'll never forget it. I'm happy I'm a part of it."

Not since the 1964 NFL Cleveland Browns has the city known such sporting success, and many of the failures in between were epic. It's a city once ridiculed by some as a "Mistake by the Lake." It's Cuyahoga River was so polluted that it caught fire in 1969.

That's the legacy that helped prompt the Cavaliers' hashtag "WonForAll."

"Knowing what our city has been through as far as our sports and everything for the last 50-plus years, our fans deserve it," James said. "Our fans, no matter what has been going on, the Browns, the Indians, the Cavs, they continue to support us."

Downtown businesses are already decorated, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame adorned with the C logo used on Indians' players caps.

There will be a rap concert, giant television screens and even ice cream thanks to an offhand comment James made when asked how the party could get any better.

"It's going to be great," James said. "We get to host the World Series and we get our rings on the same night at the same time. If we had a retractable roof it would be probably the loudest we ever heard, so it's pretty special.

"From a fan's perspective, is there any better way? I don't know, having an ice cream truck outside of both arenas at the same time as well – the icing on the cake."

Midwest-based Blue Bunny ice cream has sent a truck that's expected to be parked between the venues, tweeting, "Hey Cleveland, KingJames asked for an ice cream truck to make tomorrow even more fun. Free ice cream is coming – see you soon!"

The Cavaliers moved their tip-off time 30 minutes ahead to avoid the games starting at the same time, and giving James the chance to watch the Tribe after his game.

"If our game ends before theirs then I'll watch it, for sure," he said.

Cleveland's title 'vibe' 

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, who starts the opener for Cleveland, said the "vibe" James and the Cavaliers started in June with their NBA Finals victory has been an inspiration to them in their quest for a crown.

"It was an unbelievable run they went on," Kluber said. "It definitely sent a vibe through the city. You could just feel the energy through that run after they won. It has been great for Cleveland the fact they won a championship. And hopefully we can bring them another one."

James has been a very public supporter of the Indians but long has been known as a backer of baseball's New York Yankees and the NFL Dallas Cowboys because of their winning history.

"I'm a supporter of winners," James said. "As a kid growing up I needed inspiration to get out of the situation I was in.

"But I'm definitely in support of what the Indians are trying to do right now."

And he loves having helped ignite the spark.

"That's what we want to do," James said. "Part of my whole mindset is to inspire as many people as I possibly can from kids growing up in my inner city to professional athletes." – Jim Slater, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – In the 71 years since the Chicago Cubs last played in baseball's World Series, America and its national pastime have undergone major social, technological and economic transformations.

No longer are African-American players banned. Now fans can watch on television even as the price of such broadcasts has sent salaries and ticket prices soaring.

The Cubs, who have not won Major League Baseball's best-of-7 final since 1908, make their first World Series appearance since 1945 on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday in Manila) at Cleveland as the Indians host the Fall Classic's 112th opener.

In October 1908, Theodore Roosevelt was America's president. The nation had only 46 states. Orville Wright had just made the first hour-long flight, Henry Ford's first Model T automobile was coming off the assembly line and US cowboy outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were still roaming in Bolivia.

In October 1945, World War II had ended only weeks before. The first World Series telecast was two years away. Color coverage was a decade off. But only a few thousand homes had televisions anyway. More than a third of US homes lacked flushable toilets.

With America's longest sport title drought on the brink of ending, 62-year-old Cubs manager Joe Maddon finds himself at the intersection of iconic history – people who have waited a lifetime, some who died waiting, for this moment – and the team of 20-something talents who got this far with little worry about such bygone days.

"I have a strong appreciation of all of this," Maddon said. "I've talked to all these dudes about the past and what's going on right now. The game is absolutely the same and entirely different, if that makes any sense.

"My roots are in traditional, fundamental baseball, whereas I'm also very much into whatever's available right now that's able to help you. In the early '90s, I'm packing a computer on airplanes and guys are making fun of me. Now everybody has got one in their briefcase. It's just the way it is.

"Air conditioning is popular right now. So is color TV. You've just got to change with the times."

Connection to past important

Nothing brings that point home more than Jackie Robinson, who eventually would become the first black player in Major League Baseball, signing a contract with the Montreal Royals minor-league team less than two weeks after the Cubs lost to Detroit in the 1945 World Series.

Robinson's jersey number, 42, is now retired by all major league clubs and his story has been immortalized on film.

"Jackie Robinson, you'll see his posters in my offices," Maddon said. "The other night my wife and I fell asleep watching the movie 42.

"I'm that guy. I cry easily, so the connection to the past is very important."

In 1908, vacuum cleaners were new, American Jack Johnson became the first black heavyweight boxing champion, the Cubs' 102-year-old Wrigley Field was 6 years from being built and about 90 million people lived in America.

In 1945, there were about 140 million people in the United States compared to about 325 million now.

Today's dollar was worth about 7 cents in 1945, when the US minimum wage jumped to 40 cents an hour.

World Series tickets in 1945 were $6 or $7, about $80 to $96 in 2016 funds when allowing for inflation. Resale prices, according to newspaper acounts, were $25 to $50.

For this year's World Series, StubHub and SeatGeek featured average prices above $3,000, 3 times what LeBron James and the Cavaliers were commanding for the NBA Finals in June, with TicketIQ saying the Cubs' first home game was above some Super Bowl levels at $6,000.

Famed actor and comedian Bill Murray, now age 66, had not been born the last time his beloved Cubs were in the World Series.

"The history means a lot," Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks said. "It puts it in perspective for us. We enjoy it more, because we know it means to the fans." – Jim Slater, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Two super-fights have been added to Triumvirate Fighting Championship's second annual Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament dubbed "Arte Suave Manila" from October 29 to 30 at the CommerCenter Alabang in Muntinlupa City.

The two announced super-fights at this year's Arte Suave Manila will involve 3 homegrown mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors. 

Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) standout Rolando Gabriel Dy is squaring off with former Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) featherweight kingpin Reydon "Red" Romero in a No-Gi submission-only match. 

Dy, the 25-year-old son of former boxing world champion Rolando Navarrete, holds a professional MMA record of 7-4 and was a two-time PXC bantamweight title contender. 

Dy made a triumphant return to featherweight last January with a lopsided decision win against Miguel Mosquera.

Proving that he has a rightful place in the featherweight division, Dy knocked out previously-unbeaten Japanese stalwart Koyomi Matsushima in just 23 seconds with a counter left hook last April.

In the other corner, Romero owns a win-loss slate of 9-6 and has been a URCC mainstay since he started his prizefighting career in March 2010.

Romero captured the URCC featherweight belt in November 2013 when he submitted Ricardo Sapno with a third-round rear-naked choke and then successfully defended the title against Malaysia's Jian Kai Chee via second-round knockout in July 2015. 

The 28-year-old veteran relinquished his possession of URCC's 145-pound trinket by yielding to Korean combatant Do-Gyum Lee via second-round stoppage. 

Both men are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners as Dy earned a blue belt in December 2015 under the tutelage of Stephen Kamphuis, while Romero is a white belt under the guidance of Alvin Aguilar of DEFTAC-Ribeiro. 

After their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu encounter, the two fighters will compete on separate MMA cards in November. 

Dy is slated to lock horns with Australia's Aydin Mrouki in PXC 55 on November 18, while Romero battles Mosquera on the undercard of URCC 28: Vindication on November 6.

In the other additional super-fight, ex-URCC bantamweight titleholder Andrew Benibe is taking on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt Oliver Domingo. 

Benibe has a 6-8 MMA record and won the vacant URCC bantamweight strap in October 2014 by scoring a fifth-round technical knockout victory over Reysaldo Trasmonte. 

Benibe, who is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, has been away from the Philippine MMA limelight since dropping the URCC bantamweight title to Jerson Estoro via third-round knockout in July 2015. 

Meanwhile, Domingo is one of the top prospects in the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene and trains under the wings of Kamphuis. 

One of Arte Suave Manila's main attractions is the submission-only super-fights, where combatants will compete in a 10-minute match. If there is no submission by the end of given time, a draw will be declared. 

Arte Suave Manila is set to feature 3 more super-fights, but the spotlight is on the 10-minute clash of the brown belts as Gian Dee of Atos Philippines faces Myron Mangubat of DEFTAC-Ribeiro. 

URCC fighter Drex Zamboanga will also share the mat with James Wilson Uy of DEFTAC-Ribeiro.

Arte Suave Manila will likewise hold its inaugural female super-fight as Jam Cantos of DEFTAC-Ribeiro meets Kaila Napolis of Checkmat Philippines. – Rappler.com

At shortly past 9:30 pm last Sunday night FIFA referee Steve Supresencia blew air through his whistle and pointed both his hands towards the center circle. The Ilonggo official had signaled the end of the final match of the 2016 United Football League season, with JP Voltes winning 1-0 over Ceres La Salle. The result means Ceres still finishes second in the table behind champs Global. 

The busmen finished the game with just 8 outfield players after both Stephan Schrock and Manny Ott were sent off. But it's not clear if either of the two Azkals will ever be serving a suspension. Supresencia didn't just end the match with his whistle, he might have brought down the curtains on an era of Philippine football as well. This could very well go down as the last UFL game ever. 

For the past half-decade the UFL has served as the de facto top tier of football in the country, despite the fact that all but one team, Ceres, are based in Manila. If all goes to plan, most if not all, of the top teams in the UFL will comprise the Philippines Football League, a community-based competition with teams scattered all over the archipelago. That league is planned to bow in March of 2017.

(Full disclosure: the author has previously done paid work for the league, as a videographer, photographer, and event host/emcee.) 

History will likely judge the UFL's legacy as generally positive but with some missed opportunities as well. 

The league gave hundreds of players an opportunity to play top-level football against players from around the world. There had been previous attempts at high-level football leagues here like the Metro Manila Premier League in the 90s and the P-League after that, but, without having the benefit of being in the scene then, the UFL seems to have taken it a notch higher. 

True, an influx of foreign players and overseas-born Filipinos helped raise the level of play. But the homegrown footballers also improved in absolute terms. My favorite example of this came from the 2015 season, when Green Archers United, starting 9 homegrown players, defeated Kaya 2-0, even though Kaya only played two homegrown players off the bench. When players from here are constantly faced with players abroad, they invariably level up. 

One of the biggest feathers in the UFL's cap was steeling Filipino club teams for success in international club competitions. This was something unprecedented. UFL teams regularly competed in the Singapore Cup, with Global, Loyola, and Ceres all reaching the semifinal stage at one point over the last few years. 

Filipino clubs have also found success in the AFC Cup. In 2015 Global became the first Pinoy side in that competition, just narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. This year Kaya and Ceres both made it out of their groups into the knockout stage. 

But perhaps the most important contribution of the UFL is in helping the Azkals succeed. The past 5 years have seen the Philippines reach two Suzuki Cup semifinals, finish third in one AFC Challenge Cup and then second in another. We have also gone deeper into FIFA World Cup qualifying than ever before. None of this would have been possible without a league like the UFL, since the majority of our national players plied their trade there. The league kept our guys sharp, all-season long. 

It wasn't just in senior football where the UFL made a difference. Their youth competitions also gave young footballers valuable playing time to hone their craft. It's generally accepted that a young footballer needs 30-40 matches a year to reach his or her full potential. The UFL gave kids a boost in that respect. 

The UFL can hold their heads up high with these accomplishments. But there are also many instances of the league falling short. 

While attendance looked promising during the two years after the Azkal's Miracle Run of 2010, interest in the league has since waned. The league and the clubs were simply unable to whip up the fan base needed to sustain momentum. 

UFL matches used to be live on TV5's channels, but for the past season viewers had to be content with next-day delay telecasts.

All UFL matches are now in Rizal Memorial. It has the best pitch in town but the place really isn't that accessible for many fans. In my opinion the University of Makati, with it's more central location, was the best spot for the league. Unfortunately its poor natural grass field made for frustrating football. The league also played in McKinley Hill Stadium for a spell, but that facility's undersized pitch and awkward location for commuters made it difficult for fans. 

As far as I could tell, evidence of a coherent, consistent, strategic, plan for marketing the league in recent years has been scant. 

Because of these struggles, the league has contracted drastically over the past two seasons. The UFL once had two divisions with 10 teams each. They finished the 2016 season with 9 active teams in one tier. The economics of keeping together a team without a steady stream of revenue has been too much for many owners. The boneyard of UFL teams that have exited stage left is filled with names like Pachanga Diliman, Socceroo, Cimarron, General Trias, Queen City United, Dolphins, and many others. The three military clubs, Army, Air Force, and Navy, once the backbone of the national teams, all departed for a variety of reasons. 

Learning from failures

In recent times many of the minnows of the UFL struggled to cope with the big clubs, and many matches were blowouts. It's hard to get fans interested in a league where the outcome is decided even before the opening whistle. 

As we move into uncharted waters in Filipino club football, we can acknowledge the foundation laid by the UFL but also learn from its failures. We need to build better bonds with communities and fans. We need to market the game more wisely. We need to find a path to sustainability so investors and sponsors can once again take a punt on the game. 

Is the UFL story over?

Not necessarily. The Philippines Football League is far from a done deal. There are rigorous club licensing guidelines that must be met for teams wanting to join. They only have until December 30 to submit and wait for approval. If fewer than six teams can pass muster, the league will not push through. There is no title sponsor announced, and no broadcaster either, just five months away from the planned launch. The franchise fee has also yet to be revealed.

The UFL could be a back-up plan in case the national league not pull through. The UFL is basically on the bench, wearing a neon-pink bib, and waiting for a tap on the shoulder from the gaffer. If needed, it will sprint to the fourth official with paper in hand, ready to join the fray anew should plans for a national league stumble. And even if the national league does push through, the UFL could survive as a Manila-based second-tier. 

But what is sure is that the UFL left us in the football community with an avalanche of lasting memories. 

Stallion's Ansing Gustilo lofting one over Global's Paolo Pascual from the half-line in 2011. Loyola coming back from 3-0 down to beat Kaya in the Cup semis. Air Force stunning Loyola in the Cup final later that year, thanks to Yanti Barsales' dagger breakaway strike. Global and Loyola combining for seven goals a year later, and then Global winning the title by a hair over Kaya. 

I recall the joy of of seeing Air Force draw Loyola from two goals down with two late strikes that season, then get relegated the next year. Loyola won the Cup in 2013 in a heart-stopping 3-2 final win over Pachanga, as Stallion took the league. That was also the year when an Army player received a 6-month suspension for kicking an assistant referee. 

Last year was Ceres' year in the league, but Kaya stunned Ceres in the Cup final in an epic shootout with Nick O'Donnell making a bunch of saves. But my favorite moment was Green Archers' improbable 9-5 victory over Pachanga Diliman. That was also the time when Manila Jeepney schocked Ceres. 

The UFL may have not had a big fan base, but those of us who did go to games knew it was a good show wek-in, week-out. If we never see the UFL again, it will live on in the sepia-tinged recesses of our minds. 

The UFL was an important stepping stone in the development of football in our country. Let's hope for something bigger and better as the Philippines Football League arrives. – Rappler.com 

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH

MANILA, Philippines – Talk about LeBron James’ supposed fall from athletic supremacy have been premature.

With the weight of bringing a championship to his hometown lifted off his shoulders, James looked cool and composed during the Cavaliers’ banner night victory against the new-look New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday morning, Manila time).

Aside from compiling a triple-double in the blowout victory, James had two explosive dunks that you can watch in the clip above.

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In addition, the 4-time NBA MVP also denied the lay-up attempt of new Knickerbocker Courtney Lee, which his fans are pretty familiar with by now. – Rappler.com

OAKLAND, USA – Kawhi Leonard inspired the San Antonio Spurs with 35 points as the Golden State Warriors' much-hyped "super team" crashed to a season-opening 129-100 thrashing on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday, Manila time).

A packed house at Oakland's Oracle Arena had arrived hoping to see new signee Kevin Durant take his place amongst the most potent offense in the NBA.

But while Durant enjoyed a solid enough scoring league debut, with 27 points, the Warriors were comprehensively outplayed by a Spurs side who looked sharper in almost every department.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both failed to hit the heights of their best form of last year, when they helped the Warriors to a historic NBA record of 73 wins against only 9 losses.

Thompson was particularly off-color, making only one 3-pointer from 6 attempts with Curry sinking only 3 of 10 in his haul of 26 points.

Instead it was San Antonio who seized control from the contest early on, grabbing a 31-20 lead by the end of the first quarter which they were never to relinquish.

By half-time the Spurs had taken a commanding 64-46 lead and were always able to keep the Warriors at arm's length as they sought to rally thereafter.

While Leonard was outstanding, demonstrating his readiness to step into the leadership role vacated by the retired Tim Duncan, the Spurs also benefited from a dazzling performance from LaMarcus Aldridge, who chipped in with 26 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists.

Jonathon Simmons also stood out with 20 points from his 28 minutes on the court while veteran Manu Ginobili also made double figures with 10 points. – Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – Derrick Rose called on his New York Knicks teammates to develop a mean streak after they slumped to a season-opening loss against Cleveland on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday morning, Manila).

Rose's move to New York from Chicago was one of the biggest trades of the off-season, with the Knicks hoping the 28-year-old former NBA MVP can lead the franchise into a brighter future.

But the Knicks' new-look roster - which also included new signing Joakim Noah - suffered a stinging reality check as LeBron James and the Cavs romped home 117-88.

Rose, who finished with 17 points, said the defeat should be a wake-up call for the Knicks.

"Tonight left a bad taste in everybody's mouth," Rose said, saying the team needed to learn to foul tactically. 

"We've got to put people down. We've got to foul. Not put them down, but for sure we have to foul them in the open court to make sure (James) doesn't get the crowd into the game. 

"Little things like that, we just have to learn."

Rose's former Chicago teammate Noah meanwhile finished with zero points from his 19 minutes on court in his competitive debut.

Knicks star Carmelo Anthony believes the team will learn from its mistakes.

"I think more of our focus should be on defense now rather than offense," Anthony said.

"We've just gotta figure out who we want to be defensively as a team. But it will all come together eventually." – Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA – While the Chicago Cubs returned to the World Series on Tuesday, October 25 (Wednesday morning, Manila time) after a 71-year wait, the Cleveland Indians made sure they would wait even longer for a Series victory.

Cleveland's Roberto Perez smashed two home runs and pitcher Corey Kluber struck out 9 batters over 6 shutout innings to spark the Indians over Chicago 6-0 in the opening game of the 112th World Series.

"I don't think I've ever had a night like that. It was huge," Perez said. "For me it means a lot. I've come a long ways. I'm playing with confidence right now."

The Cubs own America's longest sports championship drought, having not won the Major League Baseball crown since 1908, while the Indians have the second-longest futility streak in the major leagues, having last taken the title in 1948.

The best-of-7 showdown that will end one team's misery continues Wednesday at Cleveland before the scene shifts to Chicago's iconic 102-year-old Wrigley Field.

Major League Baseball advanced Wednesday's start by one hour to 7 p.m. (2300 GMT) due to forecasts of heavy rain by late evening.

The Indians managed the first shutout in a World Series opener since 1990. Game-one winners have gone on to capture the World Series in 17 of the past 19 years.

"You have that extra level of intensity and focus," Kluber said. "I'm really just trying to treat it like any other start. Obviously there's more riding on each game."

The Cubs, who led the major leagues with 103 regular-seasson victories, lost in their first World Series appearance since 1945, a 25,948-day gap, before 38,091 spectators.

"I'm not disappointed by any means except for the fact we did not win," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "We actually did better than that all looked.

"The quality of at-bats were not that bad. I have no concerns. We were ready to play. Our guys looked really good. We're fine."

Perez, making his World Series debut, blasted a 3-run homer off Cubs reliever Hector Rondon in the eighth inning after a solo round-tripper off the metal railing atop the left-field wall in the fourth inning.

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican catcher became the first player hitting last in the batting order to blast two homers in a World Series game.

"I was just trying to control my emotions," he said. "To make something happen, it's an unbelievable feeling."

Kluber baffles Cubs

Kluber, now with 12 consecutive triumphs when the Tribe score at least two runs, struck out 8 of the first 11 batters he faced, baffling Cubs hitters by painting the inside edges of the strike zone.

"He had good late movement on his fastball and breaking ball," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

The 30-year-old right-hander, an 18-game winner this season, set a World Series record for most strikeouts over the first 3 innings.

"Kluber was outstanding," Maddon said. "He gets such great movement both directions with his cutter and comebacker. He was hitting his edges. He pitched well. You've got to give him a lot of credit."

Cubs left-handed pitcher Jon Lester, who had lost only once since June 3, allowed only one run in taking 3 prior World Series starts but stumbled early.

Francisco Lindor singled, stole second, took third on two Lester walks and scored when Carlos Ramirez dribbled a ground ball halfway to third base for an infield single.

Lester then hit Cleveland batter Brandon Guyer with a pitch with the bases loaded to force home another Indians run.

Miller shuts down rally bid

Kluber was removed in the seventh but Indians reliever Andrew Miller shut down Cubs rally bids in the seventh and eighth innings, striking out Addison Russell and Ross to end the seventh and Kyle Schwarber to escape the eighth, stretching his streak of scoreless playoff relief innings to 13 2/3.

Schwarber, out since April with a knee injury, became the first non-pitcher to make his first hit of a season in the World Series. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Varsity Pep Squad released a statement through Facebook on Wednesday, October 26, announcing that they will not participate in this year’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition, which is set for November 19 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Finally, we can share the news to those who have been wondering that, regretfully, we will not be part of this season’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition,” the statement read.

“From our first request for an informal meeting, to the letter of protest advised by the organizers themselves, we have exhausted all our efforts to reach a resolution.

“We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail. And after many weeks, months, and now a year of waiting, our issues and questions remain unresolved. Reared in the institution we represent, we abide with our principles of honor and integrity, and stay true to our word of foregoing with the competition, should the same organizers be hired to handle the event again.”

The UP Pep Squad did say that they are still training in preparation for this year’s Asian Cheerleading and Dancesport Competition, where they will represent the Philippines.

Read the full statement below:

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Arguably the most successful cheerleading program in UAAP history, the UP Pep Squad has failed to finish in first place in each of the last 3 CDCs. National University has held the top spot in each of the past 3 years.

After finishing in third place last year, the UP Pep Squad filed a protest which included a statement from head coach Lalaine Juarez-Pereña stating, “We firmly believe that the overall results did not genuinely reflect adherence to the competition guidelines and criteria.”

The protest was however shot down by the UAAP, which retained the results of the competition where NU finished first and UST coming in second.

The UP Pep Squad, which has 20 medals, was also not included in the order of performances for this year’s CDC released on Wednesday.

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Vargas, the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP), has been disqualified from running for the post of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president in the elections to be held next month, it was announced on Wednesday, October 26.

Abraham Tolentino, who is running with Vargas for chairman, was also disqualified.

The announcement of the latest development was made during the POC general assembly on Wednesday, per Spin.ph

Both Vargas and Tolentino are unable to meet one of the election requirements under Article 7 Section 11 of the POC constitution, which reads that being “an active member of the POC general assembly for two consecutive years at the time of their election” is a requirement.

Per the report, Abap secretary general Patrick Gregorio said they will put the decision under protest.

Vargas was set to challenge incumbent POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco during the elections on November 25. The 82-year-old Cojuangco is running for a fourth straight term as POC president. – Rappler.com